Angry Ocean Beach Day

George, Sue, Chris
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 5, 2026

What could be better than experiencing the full power of the Atlantic on a beautiful beach day? 

Probably nothing. 

Portuguese Man o' War
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 5, 2026

With the temperature approaching 80 degrees on a partly cloudy and very windy day, we headed off to the beach to chill and enjoy the day. On arrival, we were greeted by two warning flags: Dangerous Rip Currents and Dangerous Marine Life. OK, so the ocean was rough and only 73 degrees; we were not likely to venture into the surf.

The dangerous marine life were Portuguese Man o' Wars which we saw on the beach. They were not particularly dense, but we did stop walking along the waterline when we began to encounter more than a few of them.

It was too windy to put up our umbrellas. I actually did put them up only to have the wind take one airborne--including the anchor I placed into the sand to hold it down. Fortunately, the clouds kept us from being in direct sun too often and we were slathered with copious quantities of sunscreen so that fear of sunburn was remote and we did not feel as if we were baking.

We ended the day at our favorite watering hole, Tiki-52, with other friends joining us for the evening. We endured a brief rain shower while there, we were at an outside table under an umbrella when the shower began. We sought refuge in the covered stage area; returning to our table after the shower passed. 

It was a great Thursday, or Friday eve, and we are expecting an enjoyable boat and sandbar adventure today. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Chasing the Moon

 

Stock Photo from Internet

It was supposed to be an event of stellar proportions. The Total Lunar Eclipse was supposed to display a blood-red or copper-colored moon. 

I saw clouds! 

I went out into the late-dawn, pre-sunrise morning to see the eclipse during totality. When I went out, the moon was already below the buildings across the drive from me and so I hopped into the car to see if I could find a clear horizon. I could not--there were clouds everywhere. 

I drove across the A1A bridge, which rises about 30 or so feet, to see the horizon to the ground and hopefully catch a glimpse of the moon. 

I saw rainstorms in the distance and the horizon was fully cloud covered. I have an app on my phone which told me where the moon should be found. 

Finding the eclipse was a bust, but at least I tried. I truly wanted to be dazzled again. 

I remember the first time I experienced a lunar eclipse. My Dad and I watched the eclipse from the lawn next to our house. The eclipse was high in the sky, which it needed to be because our our house was surrounded by hills. I was surprised at how long the eclipse lasted. But it was a memorable experience. Of course in those days, the 1960s, we did not own a camera capable of recording the event. 

The next total Lunar Eclipse is not until 2029. Ugh!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Turtle Fest 2026

Green Turtle
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, FL
February 22, 2026

 Sunday Chris, Nicole and I attended Turtle Fest at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. 

This fest was much larger than the seafood festival we attended on Saturday AND it was FREE! Yes, we enjoyed the fest and learned about the turtles for free. No admission charge and no parking fee. In addition, they provided parking at a local business and bussed us to the Turtle Center for, yup you guessed it--FREE!

Chris and Me
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, FL
February 22, 2026

We had a great time wandering through the exhibits and chatting with the artisans. The location right next to the ocean, along Ocean Drive was perfect. The band provided entertaining music and the atmosphere was very festive.

We spent some time learning about rescued Kemp's Ridley sea turtles which had been brought to the center for recovery. These turtles are recovering and will be released near Cape Canaveral when healthy. That is their normal wintering waters. The story goes that the juvenile Kemp's Ridley sea turtles often overstay their summer areas off Cape Cod and become cold stunned. This year with the excessively cold weather it happened to more than could be accommodated in the region and many were transported to the Loggerhead Marine Life Center for recovery. 

I highly recommend the Turtle Fest next year, but a visit to the Marinelife Center is a must whenever visiting the area. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out to the Ball Game

Nicole and me at the Stadium
Jupiter, FL
February 23, 2026

 It was a cool, clear day; perfect for baseball. Chris, Nicole, and I headed to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium to watch a thrilling, but slow moving game between the Marlins and the Cardinals. Both teams host their home Spring Training games at the stadium. When they play each other, they switch off being the home team. Yesterday, the Cardinals were the home team. That is important later.  

The Pitch
Jupiter, FL
February 23, 2026

We arrived at the park early enough to enjoy stopping at a bar for a pre-game drink and snack in downtown Abacoa. Abacoa is a community in Jupiter, FL, that has charm and should not be missed. Arriving at the park early also meant we secured some free parking!

Sitting in the sun we were hot, even though the temperature only briefly reached 60 degrees. When the shade overtook our seats, we got cold! It was one of those days! But the game was at least interesting, especially the bottom of the 9th inning when the Marlins blew a 4-2 lead and the game ended on a run-scoring wild-pitch for a Cardinals victory. It is good to be the home team.

I felt a bit guilty being able to attend a baseball game while the Northeast is digging out from a blizzard. But then reminded myself that is why I retired to Florida. We still experience cold, for instance this morning the temperature is 42 degrees. The good news is that the return of 70s and 80s is only two days away. 

I love singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the seventh inning stretch. 

The Orioles come to Jupiter in two weeks! I'll be there and I will be wearing baseball attire.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Jupiter Seafood Fest 2026

 

Chris and Bob at the Seafood Fest
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2026

It was a beautiful South Florida day to enjoy the Jupiter Seafood Fest. The white clouds in the sky gave a bit of respite from the blazing hot sun which sent the temperature soaring to 84 degrees.

Early as we Arrived at the Fest
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2026

We arrived at the fest early to enjoy some time wandering around the displays and exhibitors before the crushing crowds arrived. It was an great fun.

The seafood options were diverse as were the shopping options. There was music at the main stage that entertained us during the early afternoon while sitting in the shade. The Bryant Thomas Band was fun to watch. I have to admit, I have never before seen a trombone take the lead in a rock/country band. It was inspiring and fun to watch. While we enjoyed the music, we also were keeping tabs on the Orioles Spring Training game against the Pirates which eventually got out of control resulting in an 8-2 loss. But, here is a clip of the trombone from the band. 

What's Wrong with this Image?
Jupiter Seafood Fest, Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2026

The variety of exhibitors was great. I always like to visit with them. We also enjoyed some of the food and drink! Although I usually opt for ribs at an event like this, I had a Poke Bowl and therefore actually enjoyed some seafood.

I like this event because although there is an admission charge, parking is free and easy. Last week, the parking for ArtiFest cost as much as an admission ticket. Go figure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

By the Fire

 

Fire Pit and View of the Yard
Tequesta, FL
February 19, 2026

We do not often get the opportunity to sit around our fire pit in the evening. Well, it is not a real pit, it is a small tabletop, ethanol fueled pit. Usually, it is too warm outside to actually enjoy the flame, but last evening was an exception. 

Moon over Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
February 19, 2026

The temperature was perfect and the evening was just made for relaxing on the veranda. We had enjoyed dinner at Tiki52 and retreated to the house for the evening. Nicole is visiting from Maryland and the comfortable weather provided a great respite from the snow and ice that she had been experiencing.

We enjoyed chatting and catching up around the fire as night fell deepened us.

Today is a boat day. Yay! It has been a while since we have been on the water. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Birds by the Water

Fish Crow
Tequesta, FL
February 17 ,2026

 The other evening, we enjoyed dinner and adult beverages at our favorite watering hole. The weather was perfect, OK, the breeze off the water was a a bit cool and strong at times. 

We enjoyed watching the birds. Mostly we were blessed with Fish Crows. Sadly, there were too few pelicans or other birds. But, the crows provided comic relief. 

Finnegan joined us for the evening and enjoyed trying to play with other dogs. There was a lot of activity at the restaurant due to the moderate temperatures and the prevalence of the Snow Birds, who have fully arrived for the season. It is a bit strange that "in-season" is February and March. We have some additional visitors due to the start of the MLB Spring Training games. The Marlins and Cardinals team logos are beginning to apperar everywhere. 

The traffic has become a problem at times. There are intersections that I avoid when I need to make a left turn. Instead, I drive around the block to get to a traffic light to ensure that I can safely make the turn. 

Well, it is Thursday or Friday Eve! I am looking forward to a summer-like boat day tomorrow, finally. February in South Florida can be fantastic.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Settling into Tuesday

Florida Dawn
Tequesta, FL
February 17, 2026

 The week got off to a easy start with the President's Day holiday celebrated yesterday. President's Day marks the end of the holiday season that began with Labor Day, as there are no more Federal Holidays until Memorial Day. I remember how I used to look forward to three-day weekends!

Forecast
Tequesta, FL
February 17, 2026

This morning dawned clear and bright. I took the image through the screen on the veranda. It looks as if it is going to be a great week! We are expecting temperatures to return into the 80s and I am fortunate to have a boat reserved for Friday! On the downside, after the beautiful weather this week, next Monday starts cold and I have tickets to a Spring Training game.

I am excited that baseball is back! I am also happy that warmed weather has returned to South Florida. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Beach Beckoned

Carlin Park Beach to Ourselves
Jupiter, FL
February 12, 2026

 We did it!

Yesterday afternoon, Chris and I made it to the beach for happy hour and dinner. We ordered subs and enjoyed a very nice late afternoon and early evening on the beach. 

Seagull in the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 12, 2026

Except for the birds, we had the beach to ourselves--and this is one of the main beaches in the Jupiter area. The surf was calm and the wind off the ocean, while cool was not uncomfortable. We dressed appropriately and were quite comfortable.

We enjoyed the birds who seemed very brave in approaching us for handouts. I went about knee deep into the 72 degree water--it was too cold to actually immerse myself into the ocean. It remember that as a boy growing up in Upstate NY, we believed that once the water hit about 70 degrees it was swimming time in the lakes. I'm not sure I'd enjoy that now and I also understand why the adults who accompanied me never got into the water. It is just too cold!

For our first foray to the beach for 2026, it was a great time. We stayed until just after sunset, leaving as the beach succumbing to the evening darkness.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Hump Day

 

View of the Marina
Tequesta, FL
February 10, 2026

We have again hit the hump of the week.

I continue to be amazed at how I wander my way through each week even though I do no longer have a job that requires my attendance. But, the day characterizations continue to help me stay cognizant of each day. 

Yesterday was a more normal South Florida day. The temperature reached a pleasant high of 77 degrees and the morning warmed into the 60s by about 9 AM, which allowed me to enjoy a very nice 18-mile bike ride. It was only my second ride of February, but it was definitely an enjoyable ride mostly because it was not cold. 

Chris and I also enjoyed our Tiki Tuesday last evening. The weather was almost perfect, it began with nice bright sun but it became a bit cool as the evening progressed. The marina was very quiet, probably due to the recent weather. 

Today is hump day! The week can only get better from here!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Finnegan and the Doggie Bed

Finnegan with his Bed
Tequesta, FL
February 5 ,2026

XFinity Router not Connected
Tequesta, FL
February 5, 2026

 Last evening, as Chris and I were suffering through another Comcast tv/wifi outage, Finnegan provided some comic relief. 

About Comcast outages. We have had three significant ones during the past two weeks. By significant, I mean four hours or more! Last night's outage was five hours starting at about 4 PM and running until about 9:15 PM. No TV and no internet. I was able to use my computer through my phone's cell capability for some important stuff, but that was about it. 

During the early part of the outage, Chris and I were in the Reading Room chatting and Finnegan decided to attack his doggie bed with some vigor. It was humorous. 

We watched him play for a long while. I even made a fairly long video of his activity. He was, as you will see in the video, very busy and very engaged. We tried to be very quiet so as not to disturb his activity. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

After the Freeze

Walking Along US 1 in Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
February 3, 2026

 Life is beginning to return to normal here in South Florida as the temperatures have risen to a more normal range. 

It is 51 degrees this morning and we have hopes of reaching 70 degrees this afternoon. 

Chris and I enjoyed the warmer temperatures yesterday by taking a long walk with Finnegan. Finn enjoyed the walk and it allowed him to shake-out some of the "cabin fever" that he has been developing during the past couple of days. 

Tiki 52

The sky was a beautiful shade of blue and, while we wore sweaters and coats, we enjoyed the walk which began to restore some sense of normalcy to life. For our evening, we headed to Tiki52 for dinner. It was a bit cooler under the Tiki hut than we expected, but the portable heater made the experience very pleasant. For those wondering about the signage in the image, Tiki52 is located at Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Dayboard 52 between Jupiter Inlet and St Lucie Inlet. 

It will be nice to return to seasonable temperatures. I will even look forward to seeing the small lizards running across the sidewalks in front of us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Manatees, Everywhere Manatees

Statue of Manatees
Manatee Lagoon, Rivera Beach, FL
February 2, 2026

 Yesterday was another cold day in South Florida. 

That meant that it was a perfect day for a trip to Manatee Lagoon in Rivera Beach to view the manatees, because they know how to keep warm when it is cold. 

Manatees
Manatee Lagoon, Rivera Beach, FL
February 2, 2026

Chris and I had visited the Lagoon on one other occasion a couple years ago, but it was the wrong time of year and there were no manatees. Yesterday, however, we were rewarded by viewing almost 200 manatees hanging out in the warm Florida Power and Light (FPL) electric generating plant's discharge lagoon.

It was a clear and cold day. We waited until the afternoon when the temperature crawled into the 50s to visit. It was a good choice. Even though it was cold, throngs of people were in attendance to view and enjoy the manatees in the lagoon and surrounding area. 

Manatees in the Lagoon
Manatee Lagoon, Rivera Beach, FL
February 2, 2026

I had an issue trying to get a good image given the lighting situation. The sunlight was reflecting off the ripples on the water and made getting a good image really tough--even with post processing. Despite that, we enjoyed watching the manatees along with some fish, including a nurse shark, lounging in the warm waters of the lagoon. 

It was encouraging to see the numbers of people who came out to view the manatees. Raising awareness helps to protect them. There were more than a few manatees in the lagoon who displayed evidence of their unfortunate encounters with boats. The scars are deep. One of the reasons that I try to stand when piloting the boats I am captaining is to look for manatees and debris. We have been lucky to see manatees on multiple occasions. 

I highly recommend a visit to Manatee Lagoon during the cold months. It is both fun and educational. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Lost GFI

Not an Actual Image of the Situation

 It was an adventure and a sleuthing exercise worthy of Sherlock Holmes.

I went over to help a friend determine why one of the electrical outlets in his master bath suddenly had no power. OK, it was because a hair blower/dryer and a portable heater had been activated simultaneously on the same outlet. Poof!

Simple, right? Find the circuit breaker and reset it! 

Not so fast, grasshopper!

He had already checked all of the circuits in his panel and none were tripped. He looked for all of the GFIs in the house, none were tripped. 

Yet, this stubborn outlet refused to come to life. 

So he asked me to come help troubleshoot. He had bought a really cool circuit testing tool to assist in the effort. And we began. 

We started working through the electrical panel and outlets looking for a breaker that had no power. I suspected it was a bad breaker. 

But then, after about an hour, I noticed a breaker labeled Pool Box. Really? Could it be? I asked him about it and he said there was an outdoor box with breakers in it for the pool pump and equipment. I got thinking . . . 

The powerless outlet was on an exterior wall near the pool AND we could not find any other outlet or switch on the same circuit. 

So I suggested, "can we call an audible here and take a look at the electrical panel servicing the pool equipment?" At this point, even though he knew this was definitely a shot in the dark, but had nothing to lose and everything to gain, he said yes. And so we went out to the panel. 

He opened it and I immediately noticed that of the three breakers in the panel that the single 15 amp, GFI circuit was tripped. 

Upon resetting the breaker, the outlet in the master bathroom came to life!

Problem solved and mission accomplished. 

Very weird, but still, it happens. I learned the GFIs can be in strange places from my condo here in Florida. I have an outlet on the veranda which is supported by a GFI in the garage on the other side of the building. Took me days and phoning a friend to solve that one. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Fabergé Eggs in Stuart

 I mentioned, yesterday, that in addition to the King tut replica exhibit, that Fabergé Eggs were also on display at the Elliot Museum in Stuart. 

Chris and I spent a short while looking at the eggs on display--of which there are many. I did not count the actual number of Fabergé Imperial Eggs in the exhibit, but there are definitely many. They are interesting and I  never appreciated the history of them until walking through the exhibit. 

I mean, OK, so they are decorated eggs, right?

Well they are so much more, as I learned. Some have complications which make them interesting. One was found in a flea market, I believe in Arizona just a few years ago. 

I was also fascinated by Fabregé's replica of Catherine the Great's coronation crown which is part of the exhibit. Of course the crown predates the eggs, but it is a very interesting piece to see in person. Wow!

Plan at least an hour to view the eggs and crown. Take your time--there is a wealth of history on display. And don't forget the King Tut exhibit and then there are numerous other exhibits in the museum as well as the fantastic collection of antique cars. Fortunately, there is a cafe right outside of the museum to take a rest and refresh!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

King Tut Returns to Stuart

 

The exhibit of museum quality replicas of the treasures found in King Tut's tomb returned to the Elliott Museum in Stuart. The display will remain through May, but Chris and I have already made our return visit to the museum. We are members, and any reason to visit the museum is a good one. This display is different than the previous exhibit. I found it easier to spend time with the individual displays and get deeper into the history. 

King Tut's Coffins Replicas
Stuart, FL
January 13, 2025

I very much enjoy Egyptian treasures. I remember my first exposure to authentic Egyptian treasures was at the Field Museum in Chicago during June 1977. I viewed the traveling King Tut exhibit. I had stopped for a day to visit with the Best Man from our wedding, Tim, as I was traveling to Denver to enter onto active duty with the Air Force and begin my career.

My next close encounter with Egyptian relics was during 1989 when we took the family from San Angelo to Dallas to view Ramses the Great. Mom and Dad accompanied us on the very long day trip. But we had a great time. The Ramses exhibit did not disappoint. 

And now here in South Florida, I have, for the third time, been able to spend time exploring King Tut's Egyptian antiquities. True, these are museum quality replicas, but the history and significance are no less interesting. The docent was not busy and we were provided with an in depth experience. Weekdays are good days to visit the museum. We spent so much time with the docent that we never made it to the antique cars and had precious little time to spend with the Fabergé Eggs, which are also on display. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Escape the World to Dinner

The Stew, the Morning After
Tequesta, FL
January 20, 2026

I am not a cook and I have never played one on TV. 

 Chris and I tried a new recipe last evening. We found it in a book of soups and stews. The dish was named, Beef, Barley & Butternut Squash Stew with Blue Cheese Croutons. Since it was unseasonably cold here yesterday, it seemed a good time to pull out a feel good recipe and try it out.

Mmmm!

It took almost two hours to prepare and cook, thankfully I started at 4 PM. I had forgotten to plan around a 6 PM HOA meeting and so the dish sat until 7 PM before we were able to enjoy it. It was everything we hoped it would be and went very well with a Washington State red wine.

I discovered something, it is really expensive to cook creative dishes! The cost was over $40 just for the stuff we didn't have in the pantry or refrigerator.

Croutons Ready for Browning
Tequesta, FL
January 19, 2026

But, I guess that is the price for hiding my head in the sand so as not to hear the insane things that our president is saying and doing. Who says things like, since you didn't give me the peace award, I'm going to go to war now? Huh? Really?

A couple things about the dish--first, I enjoyed cutting the leaks. They were fun to joke about because Chris asked me where they were and I told her to look for the wet spot. I also had fun with the croutons. The blue cheese and walnut topping was really good and is a definite keeper for other dinners. 

Well, at least we have enough for lunch today and possibly tomorrow. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was a Crisis!

 Chris and I had a nasty surprise last evening as we prepared to eat dinner. 

The surprise was the result of traveling a lot since the end of October and not keeping tabs the condiment supplies. We had traveled 39 of 73 days, or 53 percent of the time, since the 29th of October.

We had decided to have burgers for dinner--something we do not often do. In fact we have salmon more than we have burgers, but we were in the mood for burgers from the grill last evening. 

All went well right up until it was time to serve the burgers and we went to the pantry for the ketchup. 

The bottle was empty!

We normally have a spare bottle, but not last night! There was enough for one burger and I gave that to Chris. 

I considered charging out to the store for a bottle of ketchup, but then the burgers would have been cold or dried out if we kept them on the heat. Instead, I used barbecue sauce and mayonnaise on my burgers--but it was not the same without ketchup or catsup!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Afternoon at the Crab

 

Despite the cold 34 degree temperatures and a bit of sleet, we headed off to the Crooked Crab for lunch arriving there at noon just as they opened. We were trying to get the commemorative glasses they were giving out, but the supply ran out four people before I got to the counter. And that was after standing in the line, outside in the cold and sleet, for what seemed like 30 minutes. 

Chris and I, along with Mike and Nicole, enjoyed lunch as played Pokemon on our phones, participating in a number of raids and having fun. I am just getting back into the game after a two year hiatus and it has really upgraded. It is like learning the game all over again, but I did have fun participating in the raids.

All-in-all, it was a quiet day and we finished off the day with dinner at Frisco's and watching the movie Eden. It is a Ron Howard true-story movie about the first settlers on Floreana Island. The movie details the intrigue of there first three groups on the island and how there came to be one surviving family, who still live on the relatively remote island in the Galapagos which is not an Eco-tourist destination. 

I love quiet days, especially after the crush of the holidays. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Quiet Evening at Home

On the Veranda
Tequesta, FL
December 17, 2025

 With what promises to be a very busy final week before Christmas, Chris and I chose to relax at home last evening. We filled our tabletop fire pit with ethanol and enjoyed some wine and munchies while watching the news of the day on the veranda.

The temperature was perfect, low 70s, and we were out of the wind. Our fire pit was working perfectly and most importantly, Chris was relaxing. It is December evenings like that which remind us how enjoyable life can be in South Florida. While most of the rest of the country is freezing, literally, we are enjoying moderate temperatures. The temperature range yesterday was a low of 71 degrees to a high of 78 degrees. Very enjoyable. 

We completed our Christmas shopping during the day! Yay! Now we are entering the deployment phase. Monday we fly to Maryland for a holiday visit. Christmas is front loaded on the visit. 

By the time we return home, it will be time to celebrate the arrival of 2026. Wow, 2025 is disappearing! I guess I am happy to see it go.

I was given an interesting statement to consider yesterday: 

90 percent of the things I worry about never happen. Worrying Works! (The Big Apple)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL